Broncos' defense buckles down in second half

DENVER • Two years ago, the New England Patriots set an NFL record for most points in a season. On Sunday, with virtually the same offense, the Denver Broncos shut out the Patriots after halftime.

The Broncos barely blitzed in the first half, but sent an extra pass rusher more often in the second half to disrupt quarterback Tom Brady. He threw for only 63 yards after halftime.

“You can’t let any quarterback sit in the pocket and have his choice of receivers,” Broncos safety Brian Dawkins said. “Coming out after halftime, we didn’t have to say anything. The guys up front let us know they were going to go out and get him down the second half.”

Denver’s defense was at its best on third down. New England was 0-for-7 after halftime.

The Broncos are on an amazing run getting off the field. Opponents are 2-of-31 converting third downs in the second half this season. Denver hasn’t allowed an opponent to convert on third down in the second half in three straight games.

“They played well and made the plays when they needed to make them,” Brady said. “They really tightened down in the second half.”